Genre

These verses contain both accusation and
judgment, so with the exception of v.13, they are typical of the genre "judgment oracle". Verse 13
is a proverb as discussed below.

Form

The first two words (in Hebrew) of v.11 are both particles indicating logical links:

laken
the first is very common in the prophets. It means "so"
or "therefore", and frequently marks the logic of the
connection between the accusation and judgment sections of judgment oracles;

ya'anthough
not as frequent, is still a common marker of prophetic logic.
It means "because".

While these two words both occur in the same verse in
19 places, elsewhere they introduce different phrases. Nowhere else in the Bible
are the two coordinated like this to provide a double introduction. By using
two particles that draw attention to logical connections the prophet makes two
links.

ya'an
"because" joins the accusation in the first half of
v.11 with the
judgment that follows: "because you trample... and take...
you will not... live... drink".

Hatred against those who speak out in
the gate is linked
to oppression of the poor, which in turn is linked to the punishment
proclaimed.

Such linking particles, common in the
prophets generally, are unusually frequent in these verses:

10They hate anyone who reproves in the
gate,
and they detest someone who
speaks the truth.
11So since you trample
on the poor
and take wheat as a
`present' from him,
you have built houses of cut stone,
but you won't live in
them;
you have planted pleasant vineyards,
but you won't drink
their wine.
12 For I know your
numerous rebellions,
and your `mighty' sins-
you who afflict the righteous, who
take a bribe,
and push aside the needy
in the gate.
13 So, at a time
like this a sensible person would keep quiet;
for it is an evil time.

These linking words unite the four verses.

Message

It is typical of Amos to condemn sins
like the misuse of power and
influence (v.10);
injustice (v.12b) and extortion (v.11a). It is also typical
that the very proceeds of their sin shall be taken from them (v.11b):

"you have built houses of cut stone"
- that is, expensive and
luxurious houses "but you won't
live in them" - no reason is given"you have planted pleasant vineyards"
- again an expensive activity
"but you
won't drink their wine" - once again no cause is
suggested.

It is clear that the persons addressed
will not enjoy the fruits of their extortion and oppression, even
if they do succeed in stifling criticism "in
the gate".

This page is part of the Hypertext Bible Commentary - Amos , if you have reached it as a standalone
page, to view it in context, go to www.bible.gen.nz&COPY; Tim Bulkeley, 1996-2005, Tim
Bulkeley. All rights reserved.